INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
ADB is organizing the Launch Seminar of the Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Monitor (ASM) 2025 Edition addressing the theme “Global Uncertainty, Trade, and Private Sector Businesses in Asia and the Pacific” on 12–13 November 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The ASM is a signature knowledge product published annually by ADB. It supports ADB’s developing member countries in promoting evidence-based policy design for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) development by providing a unique data platform and delivering high quality analyses on MSMEs. Past editions are available at: https://www.adb.org/publications/series/asia-small-medium-sized-enterprise-monitor.
Day 1 (12 November) will discuss key findings from the ASM 2025 edition, with policy dialogue sessions on MSME development strategies and finance amid global uncertainty, as well as rethinking MSME trade policies. Day 2 (13 November) will be the back-to-back academic session co-organized by ADB and the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute, addressing the challenging global trade environment and private sector businesses in developing Asia. Day 2 event aims to promote high-quality, frontline research on MSME development issues that support inclusive growth in developing Asia and the Pacific and to foster knowledge sharing among social scientists, development practitioners, and policymakers; and will feature selected papers which will be incorporated into the thematic book under the ASM 2025 to be launched in the first quarter of 2026.
OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the seminar, participants will have:
- familiarized themselves with emerging trends in MSME development, access to finance, and relevant policies in Asia and the Pacific;
- identified key policy issues on MSME development toward resilient growth in the region; and
- encouraged policy discussions on new, innovative ideas to design an MSME ecosystem nationally and regionally.
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
- Government authorities responsible for MSME development and access to finance;
- Central banks and financial institutions serving MSMEs;
- Private sector communities, including chambers of commerce and MSME/business associations;
- Academia, researchers, and experts in the field of MSME development and finance;
- Bilateral and multilateral organizations (development/aid agencies, international organizations, NGOs, etc.); and
- ADB staff responsible for MSME projects.
HOW TO REGISTER
By invitation or prior arrangement with ADB. For those who have an interest in this event, please fill in Asia SME Monitor 2025 Launch Registration Form on or before Wednesday 5 November 2025. General participants who register through this site (non-invited/nominated participants) and wish to attend the event in person are suggested to manage their participation costs by themselves.
HOW TO REGISTER
By invitation or prior arrangement with ADB. For those who have an interest in this event, please fill in Asia SME Monitor 2025 Launch Registration Form on or before Wednesday 5 November 2025. General participants who register through this site (non-invited/nominated participants) and wish to attend the event in person are suggested to manage their participation costs by themselves.